Pedro Pascal has officially set social media on fire this week. The Last of Us star was spotted in a series of intimate, viral photos with creative director Rafael Olarra during a sunny afternoon stroll in Los Angeles. Following a buzzy sighting in New York City just days prior, this latest appearance has sent the internet into a frenzy, sparking intense speculation about the actor's relationship status. From affectionate embraces to a supportive arm for Olarra—who was sporting a medical leg brace—fans are dissecting every pixel of this potential new romance.
The "Handsy" Los Angeles Sighting That Stopped Traffic
On Monday, February 23, 2026, the 50-year-old actor and the Argentine artist were photographed walking through a leafy Los Angeles neighborhood, looking incredibly comfortable in each other's company. Unlike their more reserved outing in Manhattan the week before, this West Coast date featured undeniable public displays of affection.
In one particularly tender moment captured by paparazzi, Pascal was seen wrapping his arm securely around Olarra’s waist, resting his chin on the artist's shoulder in what appeared to be a soft, intimate gesture. Olarra, reciprocated the energy, at one point playfully grabbing the actor's backside. The chemistry between the two was palpable, with both men laughing and leaning into one another as they navigated the streets.
Supporting Each Other: The Mystery of the Leg Brace
Adding a layer of sweetness to the viral photos was the visible care Pascal showed for his companion. Rafael Olarra was seen wearing a black medical leg brace on his lower left leg, suggesting a recent injury. Pascal often walked slightly behind or closely beside him, appearing to offer physical support. Fans have swooned over this protective dynamic, interpreting the "handsy" photos not just as romantic, but as a sign of genuine care and intimacy between the pair.
Who Is Rafael Olarra? The Mystery Artist Revealed
As the photos circulated, "Who is Rafael Olarra?" became a breakout search term. While some initial confusion mixed him up with a retired Chilean soccer player of the same name, the man winning Pedro Pascal's affection is a successful figure in the art and design world.
Olarra is a high-profile creative director and artist, best known for his work with the Faena Group, a luxury hotel and lifestyle brand. He has an eye for the aesthetic, which pairs well with Pascal's Hollywood lifestyle. This isn't Olarra's first brush with celebrity dating; he was previously in a public relationship with actor Luke Evans. The two dated from 2019 to 2021, even making their relationship Instagram official before eventually parting ways. Olarra's background in the arts and his familiarity with the public eye make him a natural match for a star of Pascal's caliber.
From NYC to LA: A Coast-to-Coast Romance?
The Los Angeles sighting wasn't an isolated incident. Just over a week ago, around Valentine's Day, the duo was spotted in New York City. During that trip, they enjoyed a classic dinner-and-a-movie date, reportedly catching a screening of the new Wuthering Heights adaptation. In those earlier photos, they were seen linking arms and arriving at a hotel together, sparking the initial wave of Pedro Pascal boyfriend rumors.
The rapid transition from a cozy NYC winter stroll to a sunny, PDA-filled walk in California has many believing this is more than a casual fling. The consistency of their appearances—and the increasing comfort they show in public—suggests a relationship that is quickly deepening.
Social Media Meltdown: Fans React to the "Soft Launch"
Naturally, the internet remains undefeated in its reaction to the news. Twitter and TikTok have been flooded with clips and screenshots of the pair, with many users celebrating Pascal's happiness. The term "soft launch" is trending heavily, as fans debate whether this sudden influx of public appearances is a strategic move ahead of Pascal's massive press tours for The Mandalorian & Grogu and Avengers: Doomsday later this year.
Whether this is a calculated debut or just two people unable to keep their hands off each other, the Pedro Pascal relationship status update is the feel-good story of the week. For an actor who has historically been incredibly private about his personal life, these open displays of affection mark a significant and welcome shift.
As of now, neither Pascal nor Olarra has issued an official statement confirming the relationship, but as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words—and these photos seem to be shouting from the rooftops.
